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The most effective way to get rid of wasps or hornets is to treat the main cause of the problem – the nest. Removing a nest can be very dangerous as wasps inside the nest will feel threatened and often become aggressive. This could cause them to sting you and others as they defend their nest and young.
For effective wasp control, you do not need to remove the nest right away, but you do need to treat it and the nesting wasps. To reduce the risk of wasp stings to you and your family, call Ehrlich for treatment. Our effective treatments and solutions will eliminate the wasps and keep you safe from the threat of stings.
What attracts wasps?
Did you know that there may be locations on the outside of your house and items in your yard that actually attract wasps? Knowing what attracts wasps and what you can do to prevent them will help you eliminate future wasp problems.
Different parts of the house and yard
Wasps are looking for shelter, so one of the main reasons they may be attracted to your home is because they found somewhere they feel safe. Any insulated walls, cracks, or crevices make the perfect place for a wasp to build its nest. In the colder months, a queen wasp will look for a warm, safe spot to hibernate, and any opening in your home will do the trick.
Sealing off any wasp entry/nesting points in your home is the best solution to stop wasps from building nests on your property. Check your house for any torn screens, openings near vents, or cracks around shutters, window frames, or doors, as these are all places where wasps will try to get in and build a nest.
Food and flowers
Wasps love foods with proteins, especially leftovers, which is why you usually see them hanging around your grill or by your outdoor garbage can. Wasps are also attracted to sweet foods like fruit and soda or anything that is high in sugar. Keeping meats and sugary foods and drinks covered completely or inside your house will attract fewer wasps to your property.
A garden with floral landscaping around your home can also attract wasps as they love bright-colored flowers. Wasps are attracted to flowers for two reasons: food and smell. They like their nectar for food, and they love the fragrance of flowers - which is why if you’re wearing a floral perfume, wasps might come after you. Avoid planting a lot of bright-colored flowers in your garden to help eliminate wasps on your property.
Water sources
Wasps, like most insects, need water to survive. Standing water in bird baths, pet bowls, clogged gutters, or even small puddles in your yard can draw wasps to your property. Regularly emptying or cleaning water sources can help deter them.
Insect activity
Wasps are natural predators and often hunt other insects, such as flies, caterpillars, and spiders. If your property has a high concentration of other pests, wasps may be drawn to the area for hunting. Keeping other pest populations in check can indirectly reduce wasp activity.
Hummingbird feeders
Hummingbird feeders filled with sugary solutions can attract wasps. Consider using feeders with wasp guards or placing them away from commonly used areas of your yard.
Addressing these common attractants and the original points outlined will help create a comprehensive plan for preventing wasps from becoming a nuisance around your home.
Natural wasp repellents
Below are two great options to utilize around your property to help repel wasps without actually killing them.
Plants
Planting wasp-repelling plants in your yard or around your patio is a great way to naturally reduce the amount of wasps in your yard. Wasps hate the smell of citronella, spearmint, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and thyme, so having these types of plants around your outdoor sitting areas is a great option to try and keep wasps away.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil has also been known to be a great natural wasp repellent because wasps don’t like strong-smelling herbs like mint. It is recommended to mix a little peppermint oil with water and a little dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on areas of your home where wasps like to nest, like eaves, porch ceilings, siding, shutters, and overhangs, and this should help prevent wasps from building nests in those areas.
The best way to get rid of wasps
A wasp nest is no easy task to handle on your own. A mature wasp nest found in late summer will almost certainly require professional treatment due to the high risk of wasp stings. By this stage, a nest may contain thousands of individual wasps. That’s where we come in.
Ehrlich's wasp nest removal
At Ehrlich, our Technicians use the proper equipment and wear protective gear to keep them safe from stings. Depending on where the nest is located and the type of wasp or hornet, your Technician will apply a treatment of aerosols, dusts, and liquids to the nest. Once the colony has been eliminated, your Technician will remove the nest completely so a new colony of wasps or hornets does not use it in the future. Your Ehrlich Technician will ensure no one is nearby while the nest is being treated to eliminate the possibility of stings.
Ehrlich's wasp nest treatment
Many wasps, including yellow jackets, frequently construct their nests below ground, making them difficult to treat. Sometimes nests are below concrete slabs or piles of rock or vegetation. It can be difficult to treat the nest in these instances and activity will continue despite your repeated attempts at control.
Our qualified Technicians have the expertise to identify the wasp species and will wear special protective gear to keep safe during treatment. All nest treatments are customized to ensure effective control of the wasp or hornet nest, based on its location.
Your Technician will offer expert advice to help prevent wasps and wasp nests in the future. For peace of mind, your Technician can return to remove the nest from your property if needed to allow complete treatment of the whole wasp colony. However, removing a nest may not be possible if it's within a cavity wall or similar enclosed location.
Want to avoid a wasp problem?
Wasp nest treatment is critical if you want to get rid of wasps buzzing around your home and reduce the risk of painful wasp stings. Ehrlich has the best wasp treatments and removal processes, and we know how to locate and remove the nests safely and effectively. Contact us today to get rid of wasps on your property.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get rid of wasps fast?
The fastest and safest way to eliminate a wasp infestation is by seeking professional pest control services. Attempting to handle wasps or their nests on your own can be dangerous, especially if the nest is difficult to locate or in a hard-to-reach area. Our trained professionals have the expertise, tools, and protective equipment to quickly and effectively remove wasps and their nests from your property.
Trust Ehrlich to handle the problem. We provide thorough inspections, targeted treatments, and preventive solutions to keep wasps from returning. Call us today to help keep your property safe.
What repels wasps away?
Natural repellents such as peppermint oil and wasp-repelling plants like citronella, lemongrass, and eucalyptus are effective ways to deter wasps. Strong scents like vinegar may also repel wasps. These methods are most effective as preventative measures and may not work for an established wasp infestation.
How do you get rid of wasps when you can't see the nest?
When the wasp nest is hidden or inaccessible, the safest and most effective solution is to seek professional pest control support. Trying to handle a hidden wasp nest on your own can be risky and often ineffective, especially if the nest is in a wall cavity, underground, or another hard-to-reach spot. Our trained experts can identify wasp activity, locate hidden nests, and apply targeted treatments to eliminate the infestation.
Does vinegar keep wasps away?
Yes, vinegar can help repel wasps due to its strong scent. You can make a simple wasp repellent by mixing equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Apply the mixture around potential nesting sites, such as porch ceilings, window frames, or outdoor dining areas. While vinegar can deter wasps temporarily, it should never be attempted for an active infestation or swarm. Consider professional wasp control services to address the root cause for lasting results.